Says comprehensive study underway in railway sectors
MAPUSA
Union Minister of State for Railways, Veeranna Somanna, on Wednesday showered praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a "big saint" and crediting him with transforming India into one of the world's leading economies over the past 12 years.
Responding to questions from reporters about expansion plans for Goa's railway network, Somanna appeared more inclined to speak about the Prime Minister's achievements than specific railway projects.
"Mhuje malum nahi (I don't know). Modiji ek bada sant he (Modi is a big saint). I don't know how he does it but he is doing a lot of development in the country," Somanna remarked.
The minister claimed that India's progress under Modi's leadership was being acknowledged globally.
"Within 12 years, Modiji's achievement is huge. I am not saying it alone. In the world, 180 countries are appreciating the development and vision of Viksit Bharat," he said.
When asked about any special plans for the Konkan Railway, particularly in the context of the long-standing opposition to double-tracking projects in South Goa, Somanna offered little by way of specifics.
"A complete study is going on. Within two days you will come to know. Not only in Konkan Railway, in other sectors also," he said.
He, however, added that he would have a detailed media briefing on the railway on Thursday in Margao.
The Railway MoS was in Goa to visit the Shri Dev Bodgeshwar Temple in Mapusa and participate in events marking the completion of 12 years of the Narendra Modi government.
Continuing his praise of the Prime Minister, Somanna said India had climbed to become the world's fifth-largest economy and predicted it would soon move even higher.
"For 50 years what work was not done, in 12 years Bharat has been taken to fifth place by PM Modi. Within two years it will be taken to second or third place," he said.
According to the minister, significant development was taking place not only in the railway sector but across various fields.
"We have all gathered here to pray for the Prime Minister so that the country can be taken forward," he added.
Reading from a prepared speech in English, Somanna described the period from 2014 to 2026 as a "golden chapter" in India's history under Modi's leadership.
"From 2014 to 2026 will be the golden chapter. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, our country has completely transformed," he said.
He further stated that the past 12 years could be summed up in three words – Vishwas (public trust in Modi and the NDA), Vikas (development across sectors), and Jankalyan (welfare of citizens, youth and women).
Somanna said BJP and NDA workers would use the anniversary celebrations to take the government's development message to the people and thank voters for their continued support.
"In the coming years, he will work 24x7 to fulfil the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047," the minister said.
Notably, while questions on Goa's railway expansion and the future of the Konkan Railway were raised, the minister's responses largely revolved around the achievements and leadership of the Prime Minister, with detailed project-specific announcements remaining, for now, on a parallel track.
